Guys and Dolls at ACT of CT, Meet the Local Stars: Mike Boland

From Connecticut to NYC and Back Again!

There are so many incredibly talented actors working on Broadway, on National Tours, and at some of the most prestigious regional theaters across the country. And many of these accomplished performers hail right from our area! Connecticut has always been a hotbed of talent, and so it is no wonder that, when thumbing through a Broadway Playbill, many cast members give a shout-out to their Connecticut hometowns!

Ridgefield’s ACT of CT is entering its 5th season this fall and has achieved incredible success since opening its doors in 2018 (including a Grammy Nomination for its cast album of Stephen Schwartz’s SNAPSHOTS!).

Actors with multiple Broadway credits jump at the opportunity to be cast in an ACT of CT production. The theater's productions are always nothing less than Broadway caliber, and it is no wonder that any ACT of CT cast list reads like a regular “who’s who” on Broadway. And, not surprisingly, a handful of these wildly talented performers are Connecticut born and bred!  

ACT of CT’s upcoming production of GUYS AND DOLLS runs from Oct 27 through Nov 20 and stars some unbelievable Broadway talent - like Donna Vivino from Broadway’s WICKED, and Phil Sloves from Broadway’s SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS.

The show is directed by Daniel C. Levine (from Broadway’s LES MISERABLES, MAMMA MIA, CHICAGO, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and ROCKY HORROR SHOW), choreographed by Sara Brians (from Broadway’s MATILDA and BILLY ELLIOTT), and music supervised by Bryan Perri (from Broadway’s WICKED, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, and ALMOST FAMOUS). Featured in the production are 24 of the most talented actors (literally at the top of their game), some of whom are Connecticut natives and residents who are returning “home” to be a part of this remarkable production. 

Meet Matt Faucher, Michael Boland, Michael McGuirk, Val Moranto, and Richard Westfahl: all professional and successful actors (some with Broadway credits) who will be on stage in Ridgefield at ACT of CT performing in their upcoming musical, GUYS AND DOLLS!

In the coming weeks, right here on HamletHub, we will each of these incredible actors!

Meet Mike Boland

Q: What is your connection to Connecticut?

A: I was born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. I went to school here. I played Little League here and went to college at UConn. I’ve performed at nearly every regional theatre in Connecticut. And though I moved to New York City in the mid 2000s, I was homesick for my hometown and I moved back a few years later. This is where I want to be.

Q: You have such an impressive resume (including performing on the Broadway national tour of Twelve Angry Men).  How does performing at a regional theater (like ACT of CT) compare to working at larger venues?

A: I’ve never really considered the size of a venue when I thought about whether I wanted to work there. The best thing about small theatres is that you are closer to the audience. I’ve worked on Broadway and done two Broadway tours. And I loved that. But those theatres are usually so big that you don’t get the kind of connection to the audience that you do at the more intimate houses. ACT of CT is a beautiful space. You can feel the heartbeat of the crowd. And they can feel ours onstage. And that’s what live theatre is all about. That connection. I’m thrilled to be here.

Q: Why are regional theaters (like ACT of CT) so very important?

A: Regional theatres like ACT of CT are important because the world needs art, music and dancing. Live theatre is a group experience. Total strangers sit side by side in a dark room and ask us to tell them a story: to elevate their heart rates, to thrill them, to make them fall in love. You shouldn’t have to travel to a big city to participate in theatre. We all need it. Regional theatres exist all over the country. And it makes the magic accessible to everyone. No matter where you live. 

Visit ACT of CT 

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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